The Ontario government has continued to call for the US government’s complete removal of duties and tariffs on softwood lumber, which drive up costs for both Canadian and American families.
“Ontario’s forest sector has a global reputation as a leader in the G7 in the production of high-quality wood and wood products,” three ministers of the provincial government said in a joint statement. “People and businesses in Canada and the United States alike rely on Ontario-made softwood lumber to build homes and critical community infrastructure.”
According to a preliminary indication from the US Department of Commerce, the US may lower softwood lumber duties from the present rate of about 35 percent later this year.
Kevin Holland, associate forestry and forest products minister; Mike Harris, natural resources minister; and Vic Fedeli, economic development, job creation, and trade minister issued a statement acknowledging the relief suggested in this preliminary indication.
However, the ministers reiterated the provincial government’s stance that the evidence did not warrant or support these ongoing duties, which impacted supply chains, decreased productivity, increased construction costs, and raised housing expenses.
“Trade and cooperation make our two countries stronger, safer and more prosperous,” the three Ontario ministers said in their joint statement. “We urge the United States to work with Canada on a fair and long-term resolution in support of workers, families and businesses on both sides of the border.”
Support for lumber industry
On Mar. 10, the Ontario government announced that it would invest over $228 million over the next three years to expand training and employment support, alongside the federal government.
In its previous news release, the provincial government noted that the funding delivered through the Canada–Ontario workforce tariff response sought to help up to 27,000 Ontarian workers retrain, upgrade their skills, and remain competitive in the softwood lumber industry and other significant sectors of the economy amid the issues arising from US tariffs and the worldwide trade disruption.
“Ontario’s workforce is among the most talented and highly sought after in the world, with deep capabilities across the steel, manufacturing, lumber and automotive industries,” Fedeli said in the prior news release.
“The Canada Ontario Workforce Tariff Response initiative will provide support to workers and industries affected by softwood lumber tariffs and help to stabilize sectors that are vital to Ontario’s economy,” added Brandon Williamson, president of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association.